Mayor Michael Bloomberg said Monday that, in addition to previously publicized bids, the city also received proposals from India-based Amity University and a consortium led by the New York Genome Center.
By Daniel Massey
Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced that the city received seven
qualifying responses from 17 institutions before last Friday's deadline
for proposals to build a tech campus in the city and that there were “no
immediate frontrunners” in the competition.
In addition to
previously publicized bids from Carnegie Mellon University, Columbia
University, Cornell University/Technion-Israel Institute of Technology,
New York University and Stanford University, the city received proposals
from India-based Amity University and a consortium led by the New York
Genome Center.
Amity put in a proposal for Governor's Island,
while the Genome Center, which partnered with Mount Sinai School of
Medicine, Rockefeller University and SUNY Stony Brook, submitted a
proposal for an undisclosed site in midtown Manhattan.
“The
proposals are all attractive,” Mr. Bloomberg said at a press conference
at the offices of Next Jump, a tech company that moved to the city in
1999. “This has the potential to be a game changer for our city.”
Monday, October 31, 2011
City receives 7 proposals for local tech campus
Sunday, October 30, 2011
NYC Carpenters Rat Ruling Regime
The giant, snarling, inflatable rat has been widely employed by unions in labor disputes with employers and non-union contractors in recent years, but on the lower west side of Manhattan this past August, the iconic species of rodent bared its teeth at an unusual target: The headquarters of the New York City District Council of Carpenters (NYCDC).
Saturday, October 29, 2011
New York City District Council of Carpenters Delegate Body
Below is a list of all Local Union Delegates to The New York City District Council of Carpenters.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Court Denies Application to Restore Disqualified Candidates
United States District Judge Richard M. Berman issued a Decision & Order denying the eight candidates application to reverse the decision by Review Officer Dennis Walsh (RO) to disqualify them.
The Court upheld the RO's authority over a candidate seeking to run for a position as an Officer of the District Council which is clearly defined in the Stipulation and Order paragraph 5.k.iv:
"Any candidate seeking to run for a position as an Officer of the District Council during the Review's Officer's tenure must first be approved by the Review Officer, who will determine whether in light of the terms and objectives of the Consent Decree the candidate is qualified to run for office and represent the union membership. Any such decision by the Review Officer will be final and non-reviewable."
The RO used his authority and disqualified 16 of the 34 candidates at the nomination meeting on Wednesday October 12.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Reply Memorandum of Law in Support of Preliminary Injunction
On Wednesday October 12, Review Officer Dennis Walsh (RO) turned a routine nomination meeting on it's
head by disqualifying 16 of the 34 candidates who were expecting to
be nominated in the District Council Election.
After hearing about the action, I spoke to Walter Kane and Larry Cary,
of the law firm of Cary Kane LLP, (the attorneys representing the Carpenters Committee for Democracy and
Workers Rights) they said the firm is willing to help the disqualified
candidates make an appeal.
Eight of the sixteen candidates responded to the offer and met with the law firm for a consultation and deposition.
Last Monday, Cary, filed an Order to Show Cause for Preliminary Injunction,
before United States District Judge Richard M. Berman, ordering the RO to show cause in writing why an order
should not be issued reversing the RO's decision to disqualify the eight candidates.
The complaint filed by Cary, argues that the candidates were disqualified for various "arbitrary and capricious" reasons and that the RO exceeded his authority under the June 3, Stipulation and Order and is "reviewable by the court."
On Friday the RO submitted a response and argues that he "properly exercised his authority
under paragraph 5.k.iv of the Stipulation and Order and his decisions
not to approve the eight candidates should be upheld by the court."
Below is Cary's Reply Memorandum of Law to the RO's response.
Certification of the Election Results by the Review Officer
Per the Election Rules,
prepared and promulgated by Review Officer Dennis Walsh (RO), after the election process is completed in a accordance with the Rules,
and where no timely objections to the election are raised, or upon
completion of the protest and appeal procedure, or upon the conclusion
of any investigation the Election Officer or RO may undertake with
respect to the election, the RO shall certify the election results.
Upon information and belief the following are potential election offenses reported to the RO for investigation:
Carpenters Alliance Slate:
We reported that National Acoustics (employer) is supporting the slate by distributing campaign material/ letter in sealed employee pay checks to every National employee and Martin Costello (slate member) is cold calling members urging them to vote.
The Carpenters United NYC Slate:
We reported that the campaign ran a fundraiser and collected money from "friends and family" in support of running for Delegates to the New York City District Council of Carpenters by selling raffle tickets to "union members and non-union members.
We reported that a Skanska shop steward who has connections to slate had the employer include their campaign material in all employees pay checks.
Remedies
Per Section Six of the Election Rules: The RO may bring disciplinary charges "if as a result of any protest filed with the Election Officer, or as a result of any investigation undertaken by the Election Officer or the RO either in response to a protest or on their own initiative, the Election Officer or the RO determines that the Rules or any law have been violated or that any other conduct has occurred that may prevent or has prevented a fair, honest and open election, the Election Officer or the RO may take what ever remedial action is appropriate (see page 12)."
Election Update: Members Voice Win Majority of Delegates
- There were 150 candidates on the ballot.
- There were 8900 eligible voters.
- Approximately 1905 members voted, you needed at least 465 votes to win.
- Only 1103 members voted for the executive committee members
- No Independent candidates won.
- The independent vote ranged from a low of 67 to a high of 195, received by Charles Egan.
- The slate vote ranged from a low of 292 to a high of 575, received by Bill Walsh.
- Members Voice had 26 Delegates elected.
- Carpenters Alliance had 21 Delegates elected.
- Carpenters United had 1 Delegate elected.
Chris Grogan, George La Montagne, John “Terror” Carty, Sean Doonan, John Daly, Greg Kelty, John Moloney, Don Foley, Steve Spinelli, Kevin Egan, Levi Messenetti, Sean Firth, Kevin Corrigan, Mike Donnelly, Mike Berlingo, Turlough “Sam” Noone, Patrick Nee, Tommy McGonigle, Vincent Spinelli, John Gaffney, Kevin McCabe, John Musumeci, Peter Corrigan, Danny Dore, Billy McKenna and Bill Walsh.
The Carpenters Alliance Slate winners are: Danny Demorato for executive committee member, delegate winners are:
Louis Norelli, Eamonn Carey, Joseph Faith, Bill Lacey, Gerry Brue, Joe Nina, Vincent DeLessio, Graham McHugh, John Sheehy, Paul Capurso, Mitch Sonntag, Steve McInnis, John McCarthy, Guy Collins, Eddie McWilliams, Martin Lydon, Martin Maguire, Cory Kennedy, Elly Spicer, Glenn Hatcher and Joseph Connolly.
The Carpenters United Slate winner in Mike Bilello.
Monday, October 24, 2011
A MESSAGE FROM THE MEMBERS VOICE SLATE
- RATIFICATION OF CONTRACTS BY THE MEMBERSHIP
- REDESIGNED THE DISTRICT COUNCIL WEBSITE AND CREATE A VOICE FOR THE MEMBERSHIP
- ELIMINATE ASSESSMENTS ON P.L.A. JOBS
- REVIEW ALL ASSESSMENTS AND PUT THAT MONEY TO A MORE PRODUCTIVE USE THAT BENEFITS THE MEMBERSHIP
- FULL TRANSPARENCY OF ALL COUNCIL FINANCIAL REPORTS
- OVERHAUL THE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
- OVERHAUL THE OUT-OF-WORK-LIST RULES
- NEGOTIATE A FAIR CONTRACT THAT PROTECTS THE MEMBERSHIP
Sunday, October 23, 2011
A Message From Local 157 President Patrick Nee
Reminder to Vote on Monday, October 24!
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
Monday is Election Day, and I sincerely hope that everyone reading this will exercise the right to vote. Some of us may have our minds made up, while others are still undecided. Some people may know exactly what issues matter to them, while others may still be unsure of where the candidates stand.
The important thing is to Get Out and Vote!
I am asking for and need your support once again and help elect the Members Voice Slate as Delegates to the New York City District Council of Carpenters.
This is a very important election, the issues and
challenges we face today are real and crucial to
both your future, your families future and the future of this union.
Local 157 is the largest local in the UBC with over 10400 members and you will be electing (48) Delegates and
one (1) Executive Committee member to represent you.
The Delegates you elect will have an enormous responsibility to address the issues and find solutions to the
problems of rising health care cost, underfunded pensions, over
assessed membership, making sure our contracts are fair and being enforced,
hold cheating contractors accountable, improve communications and transparency and find
ways to increase man-hours and better job opportunities for all our members.
We are counting on
members and friends like you to come to the District Council tomorrow and Vote The Bottom
Line—Vote The Members Voice Slate and Lets Take Back Our District
Council!
God bless you and God bless
our Union.
Patrick Nee
President Local 157
Memoranum of the Review Officer in Response to the Courts Order to Show Cause for Preliminary Injunction
On Monday October 18, Larry Cary, of the law firm of Cary Kane LLP, filed an Order to Show Cause for Preliminary Injunction,
before United States District Judge Richard M. Berman, ordering that
Review Officer Dennis Walsh (RO), show cause in writing why an order should not be issued reversing the RO's decision to disqualify Michael Ciechorski, Kevin Corrigan, John
DeFalco, Shawn Eichorn, George LaMontagne, Charles Lucas, Tommy McGonnigle and Bill Walsh, from their candidacy for office and restoring their names to the ballot in the upcoming December 15, 2011 District Council election.
The complaint filed by Cary, argues that the candidates were vetoed for various "arbitrary and capricious" reasons and that the RO exceeded his authority under the June 3, Stipulation and Order and is "reviewable by the court."
In the RO's response he argues that he properly exercised his authority under paragraph 5.k.iv of the Stipulation and Order and his decisions not to approve the above named candidates should be upheld by the court.
Below is the RO's response to the Courts Order.
Feds, HPD eye projects in Brooklyn, the Bronx after workers claim illegal labor
Illegal labor is the foundation of the city's affordable housing industry, construction workers and union leaders claim.
Mayor Bloomberg has vowed to build and preserve 165,000 units of affordable housing by 2015. But Hizzoner's push is coming under scrutiny, with a top contractor headed to trial for wage infractions at an East Harlem project and a housing agency bigwig arrested Oct. 6 for corruption.
Now the U.S. Labor Department and the city Department of Housing Preservation and Development are probing underpayment and kickbacks at affordable housing projects in the Bronx and Brooklyn, the Daily News has learned. At the Bronx site - 780 Prospect Ave. - workers are due $575,000.
"The problems at HPD are systemic," said Robert Bonanza, business manager of the Mason Tenders District Council. "For years, workers have been coming forward with stories about being forced to pay kickbacks, being paid in cash and working under unsafe conditions."
Saturday, October 22, 2011
A Message From Local 157 President Patrick Nee
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
The primary purpose of the Members Voice Slate is to bring about fundamental changes that will bring our union into the future. Through your support we were elected to office and we are working very hard to achieve these goals. The entire executive board thanks you and we need your continued support.
We, the Local 157 elected officials have assembled a group of dedicated men and women who are committed to achieving the changes our union desperately need.
Working together both the delegate body and executive board will be able to make the needed changes.
This new delegate body will be responsible to you. We hear your demand for change, now we ask you to empower us to make these changes. That is our commitment to you.
It’s important to remember that your vote wasn’t just a vote for my candidacy— it was a vote towards a vision for the future of our union. It was a vote to build a better union we can all be proud of. It was a vote to finally
put us on a path where we can protect the interests and rights of our member's above all else.
Once again, I am asking for your support and help elect the Members Voice Slate as Delegates to the New York City District Council of Carpenters.
A MESSAGE FROM THE MEMBERS VOICE SLATE
On Monday Local 157 will conduct an election for (48) Delegates to the NYC District Council and
one (1) Executive Committee member.
Elections will be held at the New York City District Council of Carpenters Labor Technical College, 395 Hudson Street, from 6:00 a.m through 7:00 p.m, and a regular scheduled meeting will follow.
There are six independent candidates and three slates of candidates running in the election.
We
are counting on members and friends like you to give our candidates all
your support and we urge you to come out and vote on
Election Day!
Your vote is your voice—The voice of this union.
We are
asking you to use your voice once again to support your elected executive board and vote for the
Members Voice Slate as Delegates to the New York City District Council
of Carpenters.
We have a brand new opportunity for our District Council and the Members Voice Slate is the best opportunity to get it right!
Serious problems need serious people to solve them. Your vote for the Members Voice Slate will put people of
experience, integrity and honesty into elected office to represent you,
promote opportunity, advocate union democracy, and protect your rights
by solving the issues and challenges which confront our union today.
For your convenience below is a sample ballot showing how the candidates will appear on the voting machine.
Remember on Election Day, October 24, 2011—Let your voices be heard and— Vote The Members Voice Slate and become part of the change we need!
Friday, October 21, 2011
Page Six
We hear...THAT a Skanska shop steward who has connections to a candidate on the Carpenters United NYC Slate had the employer include their campaign material in all employees pay checks.
A MESSAGE FROM THE MEMBERS VOICE SLATE
As Delegates to the New York City District Council of Carpenters, the Members Voice Slate shall bring to the Delegate Floor the following propositions, each to be given full and open debate, each to be given a clear and fair vote and each to be immediately available for membership inspection and scrutiny.
- RATIFICATION OF CONTRACTS BY THE MEMBERSHIP
- REDESIGNED THE DISTRICT COUNCIL WEBSITE AND CREATE A VOICE FOR THE MEMBERSHIP
- ELIMINATE ASSESSMENTS ON P.L.A. JOBS
- REVIEW ALL ASSESSMENTS AND PUT THAT MONEY TO A MORE PRODUCTIVE USE THAT BENEFITS THE MEMBERSHIP
- FULL TRANSPARENCY OF ALL COUNCIL FINANCIAL REPORTS
- OVERHAUL THE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
- OVERHAUL THE OUT-OF-WORK-LIST RULES
- NEGOTIATE A FAIR CONTRACT THAT PROTECTS THE MEMBERSHIP
Page Six
We hear...THAT things are clearly getting desperate for the Carpenters Alliance Slate. Members are reporting that National Acoustics is supporting the slate by distributing their campaign material in employee pay checks and Martin Costello (slate member) is cold calling members urging them to vote for the Carpenters Alliance Slate.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Candidates Accused of Running Illegal Raffle
 |
| I didn't know raffles are illegal- Pat Brennan. |
 |
| Illegal $5.00 Raffle Ticket |
The Carpenters United NYC Slate is trying to raise money to pay for their campaign and could be visited by New York State’s Inspector General Ellen N. Biben, for allegedly running an illegal raffle.
The campaign is running a $5.00 per ticket raffle, with the grand prize being a “Large Flat Screen TV," a "Tablet" for the second prize and a "Basket of Cheer" for third prize. New York State law specifically outlaws games of chance for political fundraising.
The October 13, fundraiser collected money from "friends and family" in support of running for Delegates to the New York City District Council of Carpenters by selling raffle tickets to "union members and non-union members" a source said.
It is illegal under the New York State Racing and Wagering Board to run a raffle for personal benefit.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Delegate Election Update
Local 20
- no election, delegates chosen
- Delegates are Glenn Arnold, Larry Cirillo and Peter Malandro
- Executive Committee Member Christopher Wallace
- Date: October 25th, 2011
- Time: 6AM -5PM
- Location: 51 Roosevelt Ave Valley Stream, NY
- no election, delegates chosen
- Delegates Dan Walcott and John Ippoloto
- Executive Committee member is Mike Cavanaugh
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Cary Kane Law Firm Files Order To Show Cause
Yesterday Larry Cary, of the law firm of Cary Kane LLP, filed an Order to Show Cause for Preliminary Injunction, before United States District Judge Richard M. Berman, ordering that Review Officer Dennis Walsh (RO), show cause in writing on or before Friday October 21, 2011 (5:00pm) why an order should not be issued pursuant to Rule 65 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (1) reversing the Review Officer's decision to disqualify Michael Ciechorski, Kevin Corrigan, John
DeFalco, Shawn Eichorn, George LaMontagne, Charles Lucas, Tommy McGonnigle and Bill Walsh, from their candidacy for office with the New York City District Council of Carpenters and (2) restoring these applicants names to the ballot in the upcoming December 15, 2011 Council election.
Last Wednesday the RO turned a routine nomination meeting on it's
head by vetoing 16 of the 34 candidates who were expecting to
be nominated. After hearing about the veto, I spoke to Walter Kane and Larry Cary, (the attorneys representing the Carpenters Committee for Democracy and Workers Rights) they said the firm is willing to help vetoed
candidates make an appeal.
Eight of the sixteen candidates responded to the offer and met with the law firm last Thursday for a consultation and deposition.
The complaint filed by Cary, argues that the candidates were vetoed for various "arbitrary and capricious" reasons and that the RO exceeded his authority under the June 3, Stipulation and Order and is "reviewable by the court."
The RO's authority over a candidate for Council Officer is very broad
and final. The Stipulation and Order paragraph 5.k.iv (page 13) states:
"Any candidate seeking to run for a position as an Officer of the
District Council during the Review's Officer's tenure must first be
approved by the Review Officer, who will determine whether in light of
the terms and objectives of the Consent Decree the candidate is
qualified to run for office and represent the union membership. Any such
decision by the Review Officer will be final and non-reviewable."
Below is the Memorandum of Law in Support of an Order to Show Cause and links to exhibits and affidavits of the canadidates.
Monday, October 17, 2011
A MESSAGE FROM THE MEMBERS VOICE SLATE
 |
| The Members Voice Slate —Let Your Voices Be Heard! |
We are asking you to use your voice once again to support and vote for the Members Voice Slate as Delegates to the New York City District Council of Carpenters.
ItĘĽs important to remember that your vote is toward a vision for the future. It is a vote to build a better union we can all be proud of. It is a vote to finally put us on a path where we can protect the interests and rights of our member's above all else.
We have a brand new opportunity for our District Council and the Members Voice Slate is the best opportunity to get it right!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Local 157 Delegate Election
There are (6) independent candidates and three slates of candidates running in the election.
The new delegates will serve for a term of 20 months and approve the upcoming collective bargaining agreement, which most likely will include the UBC's highly controversial full mobility proposal or contractors' insistence on the right to hire 100% of carpenters they choose.
On Wednesday, September 14, delegates to the council voted and approved a Cement League "Memorandum of Understanding" (MOU) by a vote of 45 to 18 and voted and approve a Wall-Ceiling MOU by a vote of 35-28 (the Wall-Ceiling MOU is contingent on full mobility, presently, as per a federal judge's order, contractors must hire a third of their workers through the union's out-of-work-list).
Full mobility is a big political issue with the membership. The Carpenters United NYC Slate does not mention full mobility in their campaign material and their position remains unclear. Candidates on the Carpenters Alliance Slate support full mobility and have voted in favor of the proposal. The Members Voice Slate is opposed to full mobility and your elected executive board has unanimously voted against the proposal in the delegate body.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Election Process
 |
| Click to view spelling errors. |
This notice has been faxed to all local union offices as well as being posted on the District Council website.
Matthew Walker
Director of Operations
(John's note: Spelling errors in the notice, Distrcit and eligability)
Important Election Information
All members are reminded to have their dues paid and processed by the close of business on November 18, 2011. Failure to comply will result in ineligibility to vote. The election for District Council Officers will be a mail in ballot. Members are also reminded to update contact information with their local union affiliates including current address. Election information is posted on the District Council website.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Update: Council Election Turned Upside Down
This is what I have learned. Review Officer Dennis Walsh, used his authority and vetoed 16 of the 34 candidates who were expecting to be nominated. The candidates were vetoed for various reasons and each candidate did received a letter Wedensday night explaining the reason for the action. The RO's authority over a candidate for Council Officer is very broad and final.
The Stipulation and Order paragraph 5.k (page 13) states:
"Any candidate seeking to run for a position as an Officer of the
District Council during the Review's Officer's tenure must first be
approved by the Review Officer, who will determine whether in light of
the terms and objectives of the Consent Decree the candidate is
qualified to run for office and represent the union membership. Any such
decision by the Review Officer will be final and non-reviewable."
I spoke with several candidates and they will be attending a meeting tonight in the office of Cary Kane LLP. Walter Kane and Larry Cary, are the attorneys
representing the Carpenters Committee for Democracy and they are willing to help all vetoed
candidates make an appeal. This story is still developing so stay tuned for the latest news.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Cary Kane Law Firm Will Help Vetoed Candidates File Appeal
By John Musumeci
After hearing about 16 candidates being vetoed by RO Walsh, I spoke to Walter Kane and Larry Cary, the attorneys representing the Carpenters Committee for Democracy and Workers Rights. They say they have been getting phone calls from candidates all day asking about what can be done. The firm is willing to help vetoed candidates make their appeal. It does not matter which slate you were on. They suggest that because the appeal deadline is short, vetoed candidates wanting the law firm’s assistance come directly to the firm tomorrow afternoon for a consultation. There is no need to call in advance. They said that if you have anything in writing explaining the basis for the veto you must bring it to the consultation.
Cary Kane LLP, 1350 Broadway, Suite 1400, Suite 1400, NY, NY (between West 35th and West 36 Streets, near Macys) 212 868-6300. You need ID to get into the building.
Vetoed Candidates
John Daly, Thomas McKeon, George LaMontagne, Michal Ciechorski, John DeFalco, Tommy McGonnigle, Charles Lucas, Shawn Eichorn, Eddie Herrero, Robert Graham, Joe Mertens, Kevin Corrigan, Jimmy Smith, Bill Walsh, John King, Tom King.
Council Election Turned Upside Down
Review Officer Dennis Walsh turned a routine nomination meeting on it's head last night by vetoing 16 of the 34 candidates who were expecting to be nominated.
Walsh posted this letter on the council website and did not explain why he vetoed the 16 members.
Story still developing...stay tuned.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Full Mobility a good thing?
By Chico Zen
I have yet to hear why full mobility is a good thing for the union. One of the stipulations discussed:
"the contractors must agree to in order to have full mobility including
that there will only be NYC District Council of Carpenters on the job
site."
Yeah! Awesome!!! Finally dealing with the travesty of non-nycdcc members getting a large number of NYC jobs.
OK, so what will stop NJ, LI, CT members from switching their books?
How easy or hard will it be for people to switch their books? You know
what? They haven't addressed cause they haven't thought about it.
Don't tell me your for full mobility because the OWL is broken. The OWL
is broken, what has the union done to fix it? They tell me, "we can't
fix it cause we don't run the list." OK, so the union can't come up with
list of improvements to present to the government? No effort to look at
why and how the OWL is hurting our union?
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Notice of Nomination Meeting on Wednesday October 12th
On October 12, 2011 at 5PM – The District Council will hold a meeting at the Labor Tech. College 2nd floor common room to permit candidates approved by the Review Officer to accept or decline nominations for positions as District Council Officers. Any questions can be directed to the Review Officer’s Office or the Director of Operations.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Court Conference Transcripts of August 8, 2011
THE COURT: So on my list, although the first topic is status of the funds, this is not the right day to ask about status of funds, but we will do it anyway. The order of topics that I am interested in, and then I will hear what you want to talk about, is the funds, and I think there were a couple of funds that we did not hear about last time. Then the status of the bylaws proposed, and also the status of the proposed restructuring. If Mr. Conboy wanted to bring us up-to-date on collective bargaining, that was in progress last time, and if there is anything about year end elections that anybody wants to talk about. Anybody have anything else that they want to talk about? No. Do we have somebody to talk about the funds?
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Feds: Corrupt City Official Took Some Of His $600K Bribes In Coffee Cups
Oh to have been a fly on the wall when Mayor Bloomberg heard about this! Today the FBI arrested the top official in charge of new affordable housing construction in New York City, along with six developers, on charges including federal racketeering, conspiracy and bribery.
According to court papers [PDF] Wendell B. Walters, the 49-year-old assistant commissioner for new construction of the city’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development, collected approximately $600,000 in bribes and kickbacks on about $22 million in moderately priced housing projects he oversaw in the Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn between 2002 and 2011.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Court Conference Transcripts of September 26, 2011
THE COURT: So this is one of our regularly scheduled essentially status conference, and what I thought, if this works for you, we would hear about these topics, and perhaps in this order.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Full Mobility Hits Speed Bumps
The UBC's full mobility proposal or contractors' insistence on the right to hire 100% of carpenters they choose, hit a speed bump in federal court last Tuesday.
In his opening remarks to federal judge Richard Berman, Review Officer (RO) Dennis Walsh said, "that the current delegate
body is not correctly constituted and does not fairly represent the
members."
Walsh specifically cited that Local 157 is "very much
under-represented and that other locals are over-represented. He also
stated that any Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA’s) should be presented to the new delegate
body which can be seated within one month from today."
Judge Berman expressed his agreement with that proposition.
Since being elected in June, President Patrick Nee has
been demanding fair representation in the delegate body. Before Local 608 was
dissolved, it had 18 delegates, and Local 157 had 11
delegates (29 total), currently Local 157 is represented by only 24 delegates.
In a letter to John Ballantyne, Nee cited that "the general
carpentry locals which have two thirds of the members, have only 44
delegates and the specialties locals have 43 delegates."
"Locals 1556 and 2790 are new specialty locals which were chartered by General President Douglas McCarron and
all of their delegates were appointed by McCarron. These two locals received an additional 9 delegates above what the 1999 Bylaws would allow them," Nee wrote.
On Wednesday, September 14, delegates to the council voted
and approved a Cement League "Memorandum of Understanding" (MOU) by a
vote of 45 to 18 and voted and approve
a Wall-Ceiling MOU by a vote of 35-28 (the Wall-Ceiling MOU is contingent on full mobility, presently, as per a federal judge's order, contractors must hire a third of their workers through the union's out-of-work-list).
Contractors argue that this system
is inefficient and hurts productivity because they end up with workers
who may not have certain skills needed on specific job sites. Rank and
fliers argue that full mobility will turn the union into a contractors
union with no ability to obtain work from the out-of-work-list.
UBC representative Kenneth Conboy spoke, and said that he was aware of Pat Nee’s letter to John Ballantyne questioning the representation ratio but only received it Friday and had not time to
study it.
Conboy did not submit a formal motion for full mobility or a promised Stipulation and Order (executed by the District Council, the RO, and the US Attorney's Office), instead he handed judge Berman his letter of June 21 (originally sent to the RO and to US Attorney's Office) outlining the full mobility plan
and the blueprint for the new Labor Management Corporation.
Walsh also made it plain in court that if mobility is passed by the
delegates, it will be subject to strict scrutiny from his office and that "there will be no toleration of any prospect for even the slightest
system failure or corruption" (the government expressed its strong
agreement to that position).
Rats Infest Ridgewood Over Labor Union Dispute
Carpenter's union protested with large inflatable rats outside of general contractor's Ridgewood home Thursday morningBy James Kleimann
A New York City labor fight moved to the tree-lined streets of Ridgewood Thursday when members of a New York carpenter's union placed two large inflatable rats in front of the home of a rival union member.
Police were dispatched Thursday morning to the Woodside Avenue home of Terrence Higgins, a general contractor, after complaints of the over 15-foot-tall rats towering above the West Side street.
The dispute stems from the New York City District Council of Carpenters (NYCDC) alleging that Higgins is a member of rival union United Service Workers Union (USWU) and is not paying the "appropriate" benefits and wages to carpentry workers he's employed for New York building projects.
NYCDC representative Michael Donnelly said Higgins and the USWU are intruding on the NYCDC's turf while not paying wages and benefits up to standards set by the department of labor.
The NYCDC claims it isn't "one union versus the other" but rather a "wage dispute," though it's not the first time the two unions have tangled. Donnelly said the NYCDC is fighting for the welfare of the rival union members.
"If they were paying these carpenters the area standards and benefits they were supposed to be, there wouldn't be a dispute at all," Donnelly said.
Higgins did not respond to requests for comment. The United Service Workers Union also did not return requests for comment.
Donnelly said the inflatable rat demonstration was designed to get the attention of Higgins. The NYCDC told Patch it would not rule out returning with more rats to Woodside Avenue in the future.
Police told the NYCDC members the rats could not remain on the street, as they presented a safety issue for motorists. The rats were deflated and removed. No summonses were issued.
